A northwest Iowa woman accused of stealing coins and jewelry from an elderly person she was caring for has entered a guilty plea. Court records show 42-year-old Shari Bents of Rossie has pleaded guilty to dependent adult abuse, a class “D” felony. Charges of ongoing criminal conduct and theft were dismissed as part of a plea deal.
Bents allegedly used the money to purchase vehicles. The coins and jewelry had an estimated value of $100,000.
The thefts took place between September 1st, 2024 and October 24th, 2024 at the victim’s home in Storm Lake. As part of their investigation, police obtained and executed search warrants at properties connected to Bents in Albert City, Peterson and Rossie. Officers seized multiple items connected to the thefts at those properties.
Bents faces up to five years in prison when she’s sentenced February 24th in Buena Vista county.
